Sometimes it seems like certain people were born under a lucky star. Success appears to fall into their laps, doors magically open, and opportunities seem to seek them out rather than the other way around.
But here’s the real story: Most of the time, that effortless success is anything but effortless. It’s the end result of countless false starts, long uphill battles, and more reset buttons pushed than they might ever admit.
Success Isn’t Luck — It’s Preparation Meeting Opportunity Plus…
There’s an old saying that “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” and while I agree, I’d add a few critical pieces:
Luck happens when
- preparation meets
- opportunity AND
- you’re paying attention — listening carefully and noticing signs and signals, AND
- you summon the courage to take action.
Not just think about it, wish for it, or talk yourself out of it (the classic move where we reject ourselves before anyone else can).
This is never more important than when we’re in need of a massive “reset.”
Careers need resets, too.
Just last week on the Executive Coach for Moms podcast, I shared my own career reset story:
I had spent years building the skills, credentials, and reputation for a career in academia — only to realize one day that it wasn’t the right path. It was terrifying to contemplate walking away from something I had worked so hard to build, but I realized it wasn’t going to set my soul on fire.
If anything, I realized it was going to suck the life out of me. It was becoming extremely clear that something had to change.
Of course, sometimes the choice to hit reset isn’t even yours to make.
Maybe your company reorganizes, your position is eliminated, or you see the writing on the wall that it’s just a matter of time.
Other times, you get to choose — maybe you’re burning out, don’t align with new leadership, or simply know deep down: “I want something different. I want something more.”
When that happens, don’t wait until someone else makes the decision for you.
You want to be able to hit the reset button on your terms.
That's the goal of my Quantum Leap program: defining your terms and discovering how to find (or create) that next perfect opportunity, and make sure your skills, story, and strategy are ready when it shows up.
You’ll be ready — not just prepared, but paying attention, recognizing the signs, and most importantly, having the confidence to act when your moment comes.
Or Does Your Brand Need a Reset?
Sometimes it’s not even about a new job — it’s about reviving your brand.
Maybe you’re ready for a bigger role, a bigger impact. You know you’re ready to lead at the next level. You have the heart, the mind, the fire, the drive — but somehow the decision-makers around you don’t see it in you.
You’re not showing up in a way that makes people sit up, lean in, and want to follow your lead. They’re not seeing the leader you know you are inside.
That, too, is a reset moment.
And if it’s your brand that needs a reset — if it’s time to amp up your executive presence, to be seen as the next-level leader you know you are — let’s talk about Executive Coaching.
We ensure that when you walk into the room, people feel your presence, hear your vision, and believe in your leadership.
Create Your Own Opportunity
Remember: It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment.
It’s about preparing for the moment — or even creating it — so when it comes, you’re ready to seize it.
Success doesn’t come from luck alone — it comes from being ready, paying attention, and boldly creating your own opportunities.
Go ahead: Hit your reset button — and be ready when your moment arrives.
